OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate today passed landmark legislation prohibiting local, state and federal law enforcement officers — including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents — from wearing face-concealing masks while interacting with the public. Senate Bill 5855, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle), strengthens existing state law that requires state and local officers to be reasonably identifiable through a clearly displayed name or other identifying information. The bill prohibits opaque face coverings, including balaclavas, tactical masks, gaiters, ski masks and similar items. It does not restrict clear or translucent face shields, medical masks, respirators used in hazardous conditions, or helmets worn for transportation. “We are seeing a disturbing trend across the country and here in Washington: masked federal agents carrying out enforcement actions without accountability, detaining ...
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About Javier
Javier Valdez is the proud son and grandson of farmworkers and laborers. A product of public education, Javier holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in public administration from Baruch College, the City University of New York, as a participant in the National Urban Fellows program. Javier has worked for the City of Seattle for over 20 years, where he led Seattle City Light’s women and minority business (WMBE) program, served as a special assistant on WMBE programs in the Seattle Mayor’s Office, and currently as a senior equity and inclusion advisor with the City of Seattle Finance and Administrative Services Department.
Javier is chair of the State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee and is a member of the Law and Justice and Transportation committees.
Read Javier’s full biography here.
Javier in the News
OLYMPIA — Did you vote? If not, you’re in substantial company. According to preliminary data, roughly 64% of eligible Washington voters didn’t cast a ballot in the Nov. 7 general election, when 3,095 races for city, school board ...
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Washington lawmakers are considering a new proposal to prohibit weapons, including firearms, in more public spaces in the state. Under the legislation, public libraries, zoos, aquariums, parks, transit stations and state or local public buildings would be added to the ...
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